Memo to Ryan Kesler: You are only Ryan Kesler
One thing of which Ryan Kesler can’t be accused is being unambitious. As an example, Mr. 81-points-in-238-games says he doesn’t want to be considered just a checking-line player.
“I want to be that guy, the guy the coach looks to put on the ice at the end of a game to win it. That’s what I’m striving for. I’m striving to be a marquee player on this team, a guy who can score 70-80 points a year. I think I’m on the right track. I had a good stepping stone last year.”
EIGHTY points a year? Ryan Kesler? Sure, you scored 21 last season. Great. Know how many the average 70-80-point guy scored last year? 30. So just increase your scoring by 43 percent next year and you’re golden, buddy!
For reference, by the way, there are only six players of the 39 that scored 70 points or more last year and had fewer than or as many goals as Kesler’s 21: Nicklas Lidstrom (10), Scott Gomez (16), Ales Hemsky (20), Patrick Kane (21), Henrik Sedin and Marc Savard (both 15). Several of them missed at least 10 games. But y’know what they do instead? Distribute the puck to the tune of slightly better than Kesler’s 16 assists.
So where does Kesler get off saying he deserves it just because he scored 21 goals on his o…
He had power play opportunities last year with the Sedin twins and was given a brief shot to centre a second line, flanked by linemates Ryan Shannon and Markus Naslund.
But there’s an explanation.
“It had to do with chemistry. I didn’t play with the right guys. With some guys you have it and with some guys you don’t,” Kesler said.
Okay well you’re right about that. It’s not like the Sedins could have chemistry with just about anyone on the ice.
“I’m not saying I’m going to go out there and score 30 goals this year, but I really believe I can be that kind of player,” Kesler said.
Why not focus on believing more realistic things though? Try saying, “I believe I’ll have a sandwich.” That’s the kind of thinking anyone can get behind.
April 24th, 2009 at 1:16 am
Ryan Kesler is best player on that team. There is no cause to bash him like that…
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:10 pm
26 Goals and 59 points this past season. Looks like he is becoming the kind of player he believes he can be, and you look like a tool.
December 23rd, 2009 at 6:38 pm
well well well look what I came across…. 69 points last year… on pace for 80 this year…. looks like someone was dead wrong!
December 23rd, 2009 at 6:41 pm
i was unaware that 69 was 70. is this some sort of theoretical math with which i am unfamiliar?
January 29th, 2010 at 6:47 pm
47 points in 53 games so far, at the age of 25. He’ll hit 80 points. Maybe not this season but he will in his career.
February 22nd, 2010 at 7:07 pm
ryan kesler actually is one of my favourite players at the moment.
hes a solid two way player and can get to 80 points at some point in his career.
theres no sense bashing a guy whos got high hopes for himself, that means hes got a lot to strive for and will play well.
also, that picture you put in the article is now my profile picture on facebook. theres confidence if ive ever seen it.
February 27th, 2010 at 11:50 pm
I hate Kesler. Like, HATE him. My brother doesn’t understand why, but this explains it. He thinks he’s a god. Sorry pal, You are just a human, and you are definately not the best player in the NHL.
April 7th, 2010 at 10:09 pm
He didn’t say he WAS that guy or that he DESERVED anything, he said he WANTED to do it. He said he was “striving to be . . . a guy who can score 70-80 points a year”. What’s wrong with having the goal to be successful in your chosen career? Frankly, I want some drive and confidence in my team’s players — it’s hard to win without these traits.
Sorry, but phrases like “I really believe I can be that kind of player” are not exactly the rantings of a crazed egomaniac. Oh, and apparently it wasn’t too ambitious, since he’s achieved it this season (74 points as of today.)
June 14th, 2010 at 1:10 am
Well, whoever said that Kesler wouldn’t get 70 points in a year was dead wrong
- 75 points this year and improving. Original poster should admit he/she was wrong and accept that Kesler is a pretty darn good player, especially considering he’s got 2 Selke nominations to boot (as well as the Cyclone Taylor Trophy - Vancouver MVP last year) in the last two years.
June 15th, 2010 at 4:32 pm
Just came across this on Google, I’m fully aware this is two years old but I’d just like to point out Kesler put up 75 points last season. Looks like you lost this argument.
June 27th, 2010 at 4:59 am
How stupid do you feel now? Kesler is a bonafide 2 way player and hopefully is named Captain before the 2010-2011 season
March 14th, 2011 at 7:28 pm
Mar 14, 2011, Kesler now has 34 goals and 62 points with 12 games remaining… Guess who will likely hit 70 points this season!!! Shows you how much you know!!!